Rep. Dingell Questions EPA Administrator on PFAS Exposure and Clean Water

PFAS Contamination and Water Standards

• 💡 Rep. Debbie Dingell expressed concern over the EPA's announcement to roll back the PFAS drinking water standard, fearing it will lead to more Americans being poisoned.
• ⚠️ Dingell highlighted that PFAS are "forever chemicals" present in 98% of people's blood, emphasizing the need for comprehensive action.
• 🎯 The EPA Administrator clarified that the MCL for PFOA and PFOS will remain at four parts per trillion, and a procedural error with other PFAS is being fixed, with the potential for an even lower MCL.

Lead in Drinking Water and Flint

• 💧 Dingell urged the EPA to work with Congress to defend the rule requiring all water systems to remove lead pipes within a decade to protect children.
• ✅ The EPA Administrator agreed to a meeting with staff to discuss the lead pipe removal rule and committed to staying in touch.
• 👏 The lifting of the emergency order in Flint was acknowledged as good news, but the need for continued federal and state support was stressed to ensure clean and safe drinking water.

Brownfield Sites and Pollution in Michigan

• 🏭 Dingell raised concerns about brownfield sites and legacy industrial pollution in Michigan, noting communities left behind due to toxic waste.
• 🗣️ She emphasized the ongoing issues with PFAS and lead in water and the importance of strengthening brownfield programs and intergovernmental cooperation.